Stalybridge church's Christmas Fair moves online

St George's Church in Stalybridge is unable to host its usual Christmas Fair physically this year due to lockdown, so instead has set up its first ever Virtual Church Fair. 

The fair will run online via the St George’s Church Virtual Fair Facebook group. 

People are invited to join the group and browse what local sellers have to offer, including gifts of all kinds for all ages. This is also a raffle for church funds. 

Local businesses are invited to buy a ‘stall’ for £10 which goes to St George’s Church, then the businesses will keep their own profits from sales. 

Some ‘stall holders’ are hosting stalls and kindly donating some or all of their proceeds to church funds. 

The Virtual Fair was the idea of members of the Church Council to raise funds for the church as usual fundraising events this year have been cancelled. 

There was also a desire to support and encourage local businesses during challenging times and give an opportunity for people to do some Christmas shopping online locally. 

The group now has more than 100 members and is growing each day! 

The Revd Penny Warner, vicar of St George’s, said: “Like so many community organisations we have lost a lot of opportunities for fundraising this year and so we are really excited by this new opportunity to bring together our community to support local businesses online, to raise some funds for the church and showcase local opportunities for Christmas shopping. 

“Huge thanks to those who came up with the idea, those who set the Virtual Fair up, the ‘stall holders’ and all who are supporting and shopping. Join the group and have a look!”